(a) The program manager shall lend a suitable hearing aid to a parent or legal guardian of an eligible child upon receipt of:

(1) A prescription from a licensed audiologist; and

(2) Any documents required by the program manager to prove that the child is an eligible child.

(b) The loan period shall be for not more than 6 months except that the program manager may extend the original loan period for additional 6-month periods if, prior to each extension, the program manager determines that:

(1) The child does not have immediate access to another hearing aid under Medicaid, the State Children’s Health Program, or private health insurance;

(2) The child’s parent or legal guardian currently does not have the financial means to obtain immediate access to another hearing aid; and

(3) The child’s parent or legal guardian is making reasonable efforts to obtain access to another hearing aid.

(c) A parent or legal guardian who borrows a hearing aid for an eligible child shall:

(1) Be the custodian of the hearing aid;

(2) Return the hearing aid immediately to the loan bank upon the expiration of the loan period or receipt of a suitable permanent hearing aid, whichever occurs first;

(3) Be responsible for the proper care and use of the hearing aid;

(4) Be responsible for any damage to or loss of the hearing aid; and

(5) Sign a written agreement provided by the program manager that states the term and conditions of the loan.

(d) The program manager shall ensure that the eligible child’s licensed audiologist instructs the parent or legal guardian about the proper care and use of a hearing aid provided under the program.

74 Del. Laws, c. 109, § 1; 76 Del. Laws, c. 129, § 1; 76 Del. Laws, c. 408, § 2.